Vacuum color divider



O ,1963 c. M. CHAMPION ETAL VACUUM COLOR DIVIDER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 14, 1961 INVENTORS. CLARENCE M. CHAMP/ON gAA/FORD A. ORDELHE/DE A T TOR/YE) Oct. 29, 1963 Filed July 14, 1961 C. M. CHAMPION EI'AL I VACUUM COLOR DIVIDER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 III 43 50, 5| 4| INVENTOR5. CLARENCE M. CHAMP/0N ByANFO/PD A. ORDELHE/DE ATTORNEY United States Patent Filed July 14, 1961, Ser. No. 124,086 Claims. (Cl. 101-425) This invention relates to a color ink divider, and more particularly to a color ink divider in which the excess ink is carried away by vacuum means. i

The printing industry has long suffered from the prob lem of preventing inks of different colors from intermingling when they are carried on the same ink drum. Due to the side to side oscillation, as well as the rotation of the ink drum, the various colors of the ink tend to travel into each other and spoil the intended colors. This is particularly true of newspaper, magazine and similar presses, where different colors are often applied to adjacent pages printed by plate cylinders in side by side relationship on the same shaft, the ink being fed to the plate cylinders from ink Wells through a set of rollers,

including feed, distribution and transfer rollers. Particularly when the colors produced by adjacent plates approach the margin between pages, the problem is particularly acute, although the colored inks tend to migrate in other instances. Numerous attempts have been made to solve this problem, principally by providing scrapers or rollers at the boundary between two different colored inks, which scrape the ink from the ink drum where the colors tend to run together. However, none of these devices have been entirely satisfactory. The scrapers require a pan below them to catch the ink, thereby creating a disposal problem. Furthermore, unless the scrapers are properly tensioned they do not always remove all of the ink from the roller. To overcome this problem, attempts have been made to use rollers which have scrapers or additional rollers mounted on them to clean them. Also, the use of two rollers so that the drum is scraped twice has been contemplated. However, these arrangements add considerably in cost to the mechanism and are not always effective in removing all of the ink from the drum at the boundary.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide a novel color divider for an ink drum; to provide a color divider which has special tips which engage the surface of the drum to scrape the ink therefrom; to provide a color divider which has two vertically spaced, dual tips, so that one half of each tip will engage the surface of the drum when the drum rotates in one direction, while the other half of each tip will engage the surface of the drum when it rotates in the opposite direction; to provide a color divider with vacuum means located between the dual tips for carrying away the ink which has been scraped from the drum; to provide a color divider in which the tips are provided with springs for biasing them against the ink drums; to provide such a color divider adapted for the installation of a plurality of color dividers for one ink drum; to provide a color divider which includes novel means for carrying away the ink which is scraped off the drum; and to provide a color divider which is simple in construction, yet eflicient in operation.

Additional objects and the novel features of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a portion of a press utilizing color dividers of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, oblique view taken from the position of line 22 of FIG. 1, showing a plurality of color dividers positioned along one ink drum and a vacuum pump therefor;

3 ,108,539 Patented Oct. 29, 1963 FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of one vacuum color divider of FIG. 2 positioned against an ink drum which is rotating in a counterclockwise direction;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged, fragmentary, vertical section taken along line 44 of FIG. 2, the color divider of FIG. 3 being shown in full lines positioned against the drum rotating in a clockwise direction, and showing in dotted lines the position of the color divider when the drum is rotating in a counterclockwise direction;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front end view of one tip of the color divider of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken along line 77 of FIG. 5.

In accordance with this invention, a series of vacuum color dividers D are adapted to be used with a conventional printing press, such as shown in FIG. 1, wherein ink is carried by a fountain roller 10 from a tank 11 to a spiral ribbed roller 12, then to transfer rollers 13 and 14 in succession and onto a feed cylinder 15, along which one or more color dividers D may be mounted, as in FIG. 2. The ink is then carried from the feed cylinder 15, as by means of a transfer roller 16, to a second feed cylinder 17. If desired, another color divider D or set thereof may be mounted to engage the second feed cylinder 17; however, for most operations, these additional dividers will not be necessary, because of the simple but efficient operation of the first color dividers D. Distribution rollers 18 and 19 bear against feed cylinder 17 to assure that the ink is spread evenly across the rollers. Next, the ink is transferred by form rollers 20 and 21 to a plate cylinder 22, which applies the ink to paper 23, passing between plate cylinder 22 and the impression cylinder 24.

It will be understood that a plurality of the abovementioned rollers normally are provided longitudinally along each cylinder 15, 17 and 22, so that a cylinder may carry a plurality of colors, usually a maximum of four. It is at the boundary between these colors that the color dividers are utilized. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of color dividers D may be spaced longitudinally along a hollow steel shaft 25 for engagement with feed cylinder 15. In FIG. 1, the relative size of dividers D and shafts 25 and 25' are exaggerated for clarity of illustration. Thus, if four colors of ink are used, it will be necessary to utilize three color dividers, as shown. As indicated, shaft 25 is hollow and one or both ends are connected to a source of vacuum, such as a vacuum pump 26, for removing the ink scraped from the drum by a pair of tips T and T of each color divider D, as in FIG. 3, in a manner described later.

Each color divider D, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a clamping block B [comprising an upper half 30 hingedly connected at its forward end to a lower half 31 by means of a hinge 32. Each half has a rearwarrdly extending flange 33, while the flanges may be secured together by a machine screw 34 extending therethrough to hold the color divider in a fixed adjusted position on shaft 25. A longitudinal slot 3-3 extends horizontally from one side of upper half 30 to a position adjacent the opposite side, as shown, and is adapted to receive a resilient arm 36, conveniently formed of spring steel, which supports tip T and is held in place by a pair of clamping screws 37. Although machine screws 34 and 37 have been illustrated as having a hexagonal socket in the head, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other types of heads or other types of fastening may be used. Similarly, the lower half 31 of the clamping block has a longitudinally extending, horizontal slot 38 which is adapted to receive a resilient arm 69 which supports tip T and is held in position by a pair of clamping screws 37, as in FIG. 4. It will be understood that tips T and T 3 are identical in construction and therefore, only tip T will be described in detail.

As in FIGS. 5-7, tip T includes a head 41, conveniently made of steel and secured to one side of arm 36 by means of a screw 42, as in FIGS. 5 and 7. A slot 43 extends laterally across the head, forming an upper flange 44 and a lower flange 45, between which a pair of opposed ecraper blocks 46 and 47 are received. Scraper blocks 46 and 47 are preferably formed of a plastic material, nylon having been found to be the most suitable of those tested, which will engage a rotating steel cylinder without scratching the cylinder and without unduly wearing. The blocks 46 and 47 are formed to provide a narrow slit 48 at the center, as in FIGS. 5 and 7, which forms the entrance of a slot 49 which converges laterally, as in FIG. 7, and diverges in the opposite direction, as in FIG. 6, to terminate in a conveniently circular hole at the rear exit. Ink scraped off the cylinder by the pointed end of block '46 or block 47 collects in thespace between the extending ends of the blocks and is sucked by vacuum through slit 48 and slot 49 to an angular passage 50 in head 41, which extends to one side of head 41. Blocks 46 and 47 are clamped between flanges 44 and 45 of head 41 by screw 42, so that a seal between the abutting surfaces of blocks 46 and 47 will be assured. It will be understood that blocks 46 and 47 may be integral, although the construction shown is preferable because of the greater ease with which slit 48 and slot 49 may be formed and also because one of the blocks 46 or 47 may tend to be used for longer periods of time than the other and only one block need be replaced when worn. Tip T is similar to tip T but is reversed in position on resilient arm 39, as in FIG. 4, to permit the tips to be placed relatively close together.

The outer end of passage 50 is conveniently provided with threads 51, as in FIG. 6, for connection with a coupling 52 of FIG. 3 to which is connected a hose 53, in turn connected to a coupling 54 which is threaded into a tapped hole in shaft 25 and extends into the longitudinal bore 55 thereof. The head 41 of each tip T and T is provided with a passage 50, as in FIG. 4, which is similarly connected with bore 55 of shaft 25, in turn connected with vacuum pump 26 of FIG. 2 or other suitable suction source. The hoses 53 connected to tips T and T of each divider D are flexible to permit adjustment of the divider, in accordance with the direction of rotation of the cylinder 15.

When feed cylinder 15 is rotating in the clockwise direction of arrows 60, the color divider is adjusted to the position shown in FIG. 3, which is also the position shown in FIG. 4 in full lines, so that the lower scraper block of each tip is in engagement with cylinder 15, as shown. Thus, the end of scraper block 47 of tip T and the end of scraper block 46 of tip T' engage the surface of cylinder 15, with arms 36 and 39 disposed at an angle of between and 20, preferably to the line between the centers of cylinder and shaft 25, which is preferably parallel to the cylinder. The arms 36 and 39 are, of course, adjusted outwardly until the respective tips engage the cylinder. If feed cylinder 15 is rotating in the counterclockwise direction of dotted arrow 61 of FIG. 4, the color divider D is turned on tube 25 to the position shown in dotted lines and arms 36 and 39 adjusted so that the upper scraper block of each tip, in this case, block 46 of tip T and block 47 of tip T, engages the cylinder. This adjustment may be made :by loosening screw 34 in the clamping block and screws '37, so that the color divider may be rotated to the new position, then tightening the screw 34 to hold the divider in position and moving arms 36 and 39, to cause the respective tips to engage the cylinder, and then tightening screws 37. Since the tips are mounted on spring steel arms 36 and 39, respectively, the amount of pressure with which the respective scraper blocks bear against the cylinder may be varied by changing the angle at which block B is clamped on shatt 25,

or adjusting the effective length of arms 36 and '39. The position of each divider D may also beadjusted by shifting block B along shaft 25. The tips T and T of a color divider not in use may merely be retracted firom the cylinder, by appropriate withdrawal of arms 36 and 39, or the color divider may be pivoted to a position away from the cylinder.

As will be evident, as one or the other of tips T or T scrape the ink at the boundary between two colors from feed cylinder 15, the ink will immediately be sucked through slit 48 of each tip into passage 49 and through vacuum hose 53 and shaft 25 to vacuum pump 26.

It will be understood that should it be desired to use color dividers on both feed cylinders 15 and 17, a single vacuum pump may be used which is connected to the end of the shafts '25 and 25, as in FIG. '1, for the respective color dividers. Furthermore, since a plurality of color dividers may be provided along each cylinder, as shown in 'FIG. 2, valve means (not shown) may be provided at each color divider along the shaft, so that the dividers which are not in use may be shut off from the vacuum pump.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that a color divider constructed in accordance wth this invention fulfills to a marked degree the requirements and objects herein before set forth. A color divider has been provided for an ink drum or cylinder having nylon tips which engage the surface of the drum. Each divider has a pair of spaced tips and two scrapers are provided on each tip so that alternative pairs of scrapers may be brought into engagement with the feed cylinder, depending upon the direction of rotation. Each tip is mounted on a spring steel arm to provide pressure of the scrapers against the cylinder. The color divider is also readily adjustable to accommodate a reversal in the direction of rotation of the cylinder, as well as readily adjustable to any desired longitudinal position. Furthermore, vacuum means are provided which suck the ink which is scraped off the cylinder between the scrapers of each tip and through a vacuum hose connected to a hollow shaft and thence to a vacuum pump. It is readily apparent that color divider D is of extremely simple construction, yet is highly efiicient in operation, since it immediately disposes of the ink which is scraped from the cylinder and eliminates the need for drip pans or complicated and expensive roller arrangements for removing the ink.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes and variations may be made, and that other embodiments may exist, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A color divider, adapted to separate colored ink on a roller of a printing press, including a scraper having two spaced blocks adapted for alternative engagement with said roller; means mounting said scraper adjacent said roller for engagement therewith at the boundary between two colors of ink; a head attached to said mounting means and having a longitudinal slot across the forward end thereof and a passage communicating with said slot, said passage extending to one side of said head, said scraper being mounted in said slot and having a slit between said blocks in communication with said passage; a vacuum hose having one end connected to said passage and the other end thereof connected to said mounting means; and suction means connected to said mounting means for carrying said ink away from said scraper.

2. A color divider, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a spring arm having one end connected to said head; a hollow shaft extending longitudinally in spaced relation to said drum; and an adjustable mounting block on said shaft to which the other end of said spring arm is connected.

3. A color divider, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a hollow shaft; said other end of said hose is connected to said shaft; and said vacuum means is connected to the end of said shaft.

4. A color divider, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said clamping block includes an upper half hingedly connected to a lower half and adapted to grip said shaft in clamping relationship; flanges extending rearwardly from, each of said halves; and means interconnecting said flanges ifOl clamping said halves against said shaft.

5. A color divider, as set forth in claim 2, including a pair of spring arms, each having a scraper mounted on one end thereof, the other end of one spring arm being attached to the upper half of said clamping block and the other end of the other spring anm being attached to the lower half of said clamping block.

5 References fired in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 17,275 Schultz Apr. 16, 1929 1,700,453 Schultz Jan. 29, 1929 2,601,325 Richter June 24, 1952 2,945,436 Busk-irk July 19, 1960 

1. A COLOR DIVIDER, ADAPTED TO SEPARATE COLORED INK ON A ROLLER OF A PRINTING PRESS, INCLUDING A SCRAPER HAVING TWO SPACED BLOCKS ADAPTED FOR ALTERNATIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ROLLER; MEANS MOUNTING SAID SCRAPER ADJACENT SAID ROLLER FOR ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO COLORS OF INK; A HEAD ATTACHED TO SAID MOUNTING MEANS AND HAVING A LONGITUDINAL SLOT ACROSS THE FORWARD END THEREOF AND A PASSAGE COMMUNICATING WITH SAID SLOT, SAID PASSAGE EXTENDING TO ONE SIDE OF SAID HEAD, SAID SCRAPER BEING MOUNTED IN SAID SLOT AND HAVING A SLIT BETWEEN SAID 